Issues
Four Common Strategies of Authoritarians
We focus on four common strategies of authoritarians, which include compromising electoral integrity, undermining judicial and prosecutorial independence, suppressing free expression, and perpetuating discrimination.
Electoral Integrity
Free and fair elections are a necessary condition for democracy. In many parts of the world, however, this basic condition is not met.
The Lab works with nonpartisan local organizations around the world to preserve free and fair elections and protect the right to vote.
Judicial and Prosecutorial Independence and Accountability
Independent judges and prosecutors are crucial for protecting democracy in the face of executive or legislative overreach. They should not face retaliation for upholding the law. At the same time, there must be lawful procedures holding judges and prosecutors accountable if they engage in misconduct or abuse of power.
The Lab works with nonpartisan local organizations around the world to preserve judicial and prosecutorial independence and accountability.
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy. But in many countries, dissenters, journalists, and independent media outlets are persecuted for reporting the truth, and laws, rules, and regulations are weaponized to suppress and chill free expression.
The Lab works with nonpartisan local organizations around the world to preserve the right to free expression.
Freedom from Discrimination
During and beyond elections, democracy requires that all people are treated as equal. Autocratic regimes advance their agendas by polarizing communities and discriminating against minorities on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, and/or immigration status.
The Lab works with nonpartisan local organizations to fight such discrimination.
Support Our Work
You empower students working with the Rule of Law Lab and position the Law School community to address society's most urgent issues.